Winter is coming, and with it, the potential for frozen pipes. If your pipes freeze, they can burst, causing costly water damage to your home. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to winterize your plumbing system and prevent this from happening.
In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of winterizing your plumbing system, step-by-step. We will also provide tips on how to prevent frozen pipes in the future.
Step 1: Insulate Your Pipes
The first step in winterizing your plumbing system is to insulate your pipes. This will help to keep the water inside the pipes from freezing. There are a number of ways to insulate your pipes, including:
- Using foam pipe insulation: This is a type of insulation that is made of foam and can be easily slipped over your pipes.
- Using pipe wrap: This is a type of insulation that is made of fiberglass and can be wrapped around your pipes.
- Using heat tape: This is a type of tape that is heated and can be wrapped around your pipes to keep them warm.
Step 2: Disconnect Exterior Hoses
If you have any exterior hoses, it is important to disconnect them before the winter weather arrives. This will help to prevent the water in the hoses from freezing and expanding, which could damage the hoses or even cause them to burst.
To disconnect an exterior hose, simply turn off the water supply to the hose and then disconnect the hose from the spigot. You may also want to wrap the hose in insulation to protect it from the cold weather.
Step 3: Shut Off the Main Water Valve
The next step is to shut off the main water valve. This will help to prevent water from flowing through your pipes if they do freeze. To shut off the main water valve, simply locate the valve and turn it clockwise until it is completely closed.
Step 4: Blow Excess Air Out of Your Pipes
Once the main water valve is shut off, you will need to blow excess air out of your pipes. This will help to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. To blow air out of your pipes, you will need to use an air compressor. Simply connect the air compressor to the end of a garden hose and then turn on the compressor. The air will flow through the hose and into your pipes, blowing out any excess air.
Step 5: Drain Your Toilets and Water Heater
The final step is to drain your toilets and water heater. This will help to prevent the water in these appliances from freezing and damaging them. To drain your toilet, simply flush the toilet and then open the valve at the bottom of the toilet tank. This will allow the water to drain out of the tank. To drain your water heater, simply open the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. This will allow the water to drain out of the tank.
Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes
In addition to winterizing your plumbing system, there are a few things you can do to prevent frozen pipes in the future. These include:
- Keep your thermostat set to a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Open your cabinets under sinks and near water heaters. This will allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, turn off your water supply and drain your pipes.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent frozen pipes and keep your home safe from water damage. If DIY solutions are not possible, consider calling a local plumber to help.